If you’re looking for a fun day out during the school break and August bank holiday weekend, then look no further than Twycross Zoo.

Following the success and popularity of their Summer Sundown events in July, Twycross Zoo will be hosting a final late night music session on Saturday August 16, with special celebrity performer Steve Brookstein.

The zoo will remain open until 9pm with food and drink tents, animal talks and feeds, a bouncy castle and face painting available, as well as a special entry price of just £5 after 5pm.

Brookstein, 45, was the first winner of The X-Factor in 2004, accumulating a staggering 6 million votes, and will perform tracks from his current album Forgotten Man, a collection of soul classics and original songs inspired by the great singers and writers of the past including Luther Vandross. He will be supported by some great local musical talent.

On August 23 and 24, Twycross Zoo will be hosting a fancy dress sci-fi extravaganza weekend when the UK Garrison of the 501st Legion will descend upon the zoo.

As the largest costuming organisation in the world, the 501st Legion will be onsite dressed up as characters from favourite science fictions films and programmes including Planet of the Apes, Star Wars and Doctor Who and Twycross Zoo is offering 25% off admission prices to anyone who arrives in sci-fi fancy dress over the weekend.

Dr. Charlotte Macdonald, head of life sciences at Twycross Zoo says: “The Summer Sundown music sessions were a great success in July, and we are looking forward to repeating this with our August special featuring Steve Brookstein. The later opening time allows visitors and families to make a real event of seeing all of Twycross Zoo’s animals and some of our recent new arrivals such as our Amur Leopard cubs and Esha, our baby Asian Elephant.”

Twycross Zoo is open to the public from 10am to 6pm. For more information and to book tickets visit www.twycrosszoo.org or call 0844 474 1777